Qualcomm holds the most IoT-related patents right now, and those patents have a very high value, according to a new study by LexInnova, which provides research and consulting on patent law. The study found that Qualcomm holds 724 IoT-related patents, just ahead of Intel’s 688.Chinese networking provider ZTE, which came in third place, only has 351 IoT patents.

Two new LTE modems have been launched which are designed specifically to improve device connectivity to the IoT.Qualcomm Technologies’ latest model, the MDM9207-1 and MDM9206, will support reliable, optimised cellular connectivity to a growing array of devices and IoT systems, according to the vendor, a subsidiary of chip maker Qualcomm.The MDM9207-1 model is purpose-built for situations where reliable, low power gadgets connect to cloud services. The main application of this modem will be in smart metering, security, asset tracking, wearables, point-of-sale and industrial automation, says the vendor. Among the customisable features this model offers are Category 1 LTE connectivity and features to optimise power and throughput.

Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) is pressing ahead with new chipset offerings in the Internet of Things space, and it is arguing that it has already generated significant business from IoT devices.At an event in San Francisco, the silicon giant said there are 20 million cars on the road that use its chips to for broadband connectivity, and its chips were used to connect 120 million home devices last year.

Qualcomm Incorporated today announced that its subsidiaries, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI), Qualcomm Atheros, Inc. , Qualcomm Life, Inc. and Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc., are achieving significant adoption of their broad connectivity, computing and solutions for the Internet of Everything (IoE). Driven by the significant growth and diversity of interconnected devices, Qualcomm companies are delivering the solutions and collaborating with technology leaders to empower manufacturers to create the best connected experiences in homes, businesses, cars and cities.